Mary Alice Hardin Ray, 78, departed this world, Thursday, November 24, 2022 at home, with her family, in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

She was born on November 19, 1944, in Newbern, Tennessee, to the late Arthur Hardin and the late Evelyn Fitzgerald Hardin.  Mrs. Ray retired from the Holiday Inn Family Restaurant, in Jonesboro, where she worked as a waitress for over twelve years.

Mrs. Ray enjoyed meeting new people and never met a stranger. The times that she enjoyed the most were the times spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She loved listening to all types of music and being on Facebook.

Cremation services are under the direction of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.  A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

She leaves to cherish her memory; four children, Jimmy Riley of Kentucky, Melody Navarro (Frank) of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Anthony Walker of Jonesboro, Arkansas and Theresa Walker-Mayfield of New Orleans, Louisiana; two sisters, Betty Bowers-Madsen of Florida and Dorothy Stanley of Wisconsin; seven grandchildren, Jimmy Jr., A. J., Spencer, Jessica, Katie, Julia and Janeane; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces and extended family who loved her dearly.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, of twenty-six years, Roger Dale Ray; two sons, Raymond Riley and Michael Riley; one brother, Calvin Hardin and one nephew, Calvin Hardin, Jr.

The family ask that memorial contributions be directed to Zion Cemetery Fund, % Mr. Greg Ervin, 4851 Jim Carver Road, Obion, Tennessee 38240.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Alice Hardin Ray.